With the temperature levels in India, it is imperative to have an AC. Quite too often you may find yourself wondering whether a window AC or a split AC is better. Knowing the answer to this question is extremely vital in making the right purchase decision. Doing your research can also keep you from spending unnecessarily. However, to understand the difference between split and window AC units truly, you will have to learn about more than just their price points or installation.
For a comprehensive explanation that answers the question, keep reading.
Difference between split AC and window AC
Picking either a window AC or split AC can be quite the task. It is important to know about the differences as they can affect more than just the price you pay. Here is all you need to know:
Price
Price is the first factor that distinguishes the two, and this is why it is important to have a set budget. Depending on your budget, you can choose the type of AC to go with as it is crucial to account for installation and maintenance also. Typically, in the window AC vs. split AC price battle, a window AC is a cheaper variant for the same tonnage. This further extends to maintenance as well, as here too, the costs are lower for window ACs.
Space requirement
The most noticeable window AC and split AC difference lies in the space requirement. Window ACs generally require a large amount of space as the entire appliance is just one unit. This means you need to either designate a full window or make adjustments to a wall to accommodate the AC. However, in terms of a split AC, there are 2 separate units that can be mounted on either side of the same wall, giving you some amount of flexibility.
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Energy consumption and efficiency
Simply comparing window AC vs. split AC, energy consumption numbers will not be different as similar rated units consume similar amounts of power. Further, in terms of AC efficiency, older air conditioners are not as forgiving and newer window AC and split AC models with inverter technology consume less power than their non-inverter counterparts. In the window vs split AC comparison, a lot boils down to the appliance’s BEE rating and the compressor technology employed.
Noise
A split AC is virtually silent whereas a window AC can be quite loud, even when not operating on a heavy load, as it is fitted to a window frame. Further, the compressor is responsible for most of the noise and in a window AC, the compressor, and the inner blower are one unit. This is not the case with split ACs as the inner and outer mechanisms are separate from each other. The compressor is housed in the outer unit, making it the quieter of the two.
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Cooling capacity
The capacity of an AC, or its cooling ability, is based on its tonnage. However, split ACs are mounted high and designed for cooling larger spaces, whereas window ACs are better for air circulation in smaller rooms. It is also possible to get split ACs of a high tonnage, of above 2 tons.
Maintenance and serviceability
The debate between a split AC and window AC – which is best in terms of maintenance, is actually a no-brainer. Since a window AC has just one unit, the cost of maintenance is low, and it is easier to service. However, since a split AC has 2 units, it is tougher to service and requires periodic maintenance to ensure optimal results.
